Session 1

Wednesday 1:30 p.m.

Can I Get a Witness? Why and How to Testify in Your State Legislature
This Learning Lab explores the importance of clergy testifying on bills in state legislative hearings, especially against Christian nationalistic bills. The session will cover practical tips on how to track legislation, prepare remarks and engage with lawmakers.

Brian Kaylor is a Baptist minister with a Ph.D. in political communication and president and editor-in-chief, Word&Way.

Creating Authentic Community
If your church has an online presence, join in a discussion on how you can connect in meaningful and authentic ways with your online friends and visitors.

LaTonya McIver Penny and her partner launched Belonging Fellowship, a ministry committed to creating a safe space for all to live out their faith.  
Virginia Taylor is the program director for the Compelling Preaching Initiative of Baptist Women in Ministry North Carolina.

Cultivating Belonging in LGBTQ+ Affirming Churches of CBF
Join pastors of affirming CBF congregations as they share stories of their journeys of inclusion and witness how a wider welcome for LGBTQ+ folks leads to broader belonging for all. Participants will hear about tangible steps to extend distinct hospitality to members of the LGBTQ+ community and encouragement for the road ahead.

Preston Clegg is pastor of Second Baptist Church, Downtown Little Rock, Ark.
Jason Edwards is senior pastor of Second Baptist Church, Liberty, Mo.
Emily Hull McGee has served as pastor of First Baptist Church on Fifth in Winston-Salem, N.C., since 2015.
Carol McEntyre is senior minister of First Baptist Greenville, S.C., and a former moderator of CBF.
Garrett Vickrey is senior pastor of Woodland Church in San Antonio, Texas.

Cultivating Empathy: The Path
We all struggle with knowing how to respond empathetically in hard conversations with coworkers, friends and family. The way we react in these situations can impact the health of both our personal and professional relationships. This session will teach practical empathy skills that you can immediately incorporate into your daily life, benefitting your relationships at work and at home.

Christy S. Edwards is a pediatric chaplain in a level one trauma hospital.

Do You Belong Here? Case Studies and Considerations for Including Known Sexual Offenders in Congregations
What should you do if a known sexual offender wants to attend your church? What would you do if someone at church commits a sexual offense? Attendees will consider case studies and discuss scenarios encountered in congregations.

David Cooke is an attorney in private practice and former prosecutor.
Jay Kieve is CBF’s sexual abuse prevention and response advocate. 

Dungeons and Dragons and Discipleship
Play shapes us both individually and socially. So, wouldn’t it be a good idea to pay attention to the games we play? Join this Learning Lab and discover how tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons and Dragons can help form communities of faith.

Aaron Coyle-Carr is senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Morehead, Ky.

Poetry from the Pews
If you are looking for fresh ways to interact with Scripture in your personal devotional life, Poetry from the Pews might be for you. Join us as we explore ways our own words can deepen and enliven our “belonging” in word and worship!

Leigh Anne Armstrong is a chaplain, liturgist and songwriter and longtime member of Auburn First Baptist Church in Alabama.

Practicing Radical Hospitality as a Pastoral Counselor and Spiritual Midwife
The call as pastoral counselors and spiritual midwives, is to create safe spaces and nourish the spirits of the weary. Yeshua’s radical hospitality disrupted injustice, restored dignity and proclaimed divine love without conditions. This session will equip participants to do the same, inviting all into the sacred circle of belonging.

Rhonda P. James-Jones is a pastoral counselor and spiritual midwife at SpiritWork Development Group LLC, and is also manager of Spiritual Health at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center, Paulding County, Ga.

Reimagining Church through the Lens of Multi-Vocational Ministry
—Spanish translation available—
Many have confused small congregations without full-time pastors as dead or dead-end pastorates when often they can be rich and vibrant ministries full of opportunities. Three ministers share their stories of vibrant ministry in multi-vocational settings.

Sara Herrington Jones pastors in a university town and works full-time with the College of Veterinary Medicine. 
Melissa Roysdon pastors a small congregation and teaches ESL in a public elementary school and in adult education.
Mari Wiles is an “ordinary” woman striving to love God and all God’s children.

Stories around the Table
Join over 20 CBF field personnel from Africa, Asia, Middle East, North America and Europe as we meet around tables to learn from each other and share stories of ministries of field personnel, disaster response and immigration advocacy, and see where God is at work.

Ellen Sechrest serves as the CBF director of mission engagement. Select field personnel include: Eddie Aldape (Spain), Jeff Lee (Macedonia), Brittany Ramirez (Phillippines), Elket Rodriguez (U.S.-Mexico Border), Kim Wyatt (Raleigh, N.C.), Jana Lee (Cyprus).

Things They Didn’t Teach Us about Money in Seminary 
Financial stress doesn’t affect just your bank account—it affects your well-being, your family and even your ministry. This session is designed for early to mid-career clergy who want to break free from financial anxiety and build a secure future. Gain practical guidance on budgeting, clergy taxes, housing allowance and retirement—so you can focus on your calling with confidence.

Jenny Clore is vice president of operations for Church Benefits Board, leading participant and employer services, finance and operations at CBB.
Rob Fox is president of Church Benefits Board, providing visionary leadership to supporting clergy and faith-based organizations with their financial and retirement planning. 

Your Grief Belongs Here: Tending to Grief as a Spiritual Practice
This Learning Lab will offer a discussion about navigating grief, practical tools for tending to grief within our faith communities, and an opportunity for some embodied practices of processing grief.

Sara Robb-Scott is director of spiritual care, Eaton Senior Communities and pastor of The Church at Eaton, Lakewood, Colo.

 

Sessions 2 & 3

Belonging

Session 2 | Thursday 1:30 p.m.
Stories Matter: Cultivating and Sustaining Beloved Community through Storytelling
This presentation and workshop will focus on cultivating and sustaining beloved community through practices of storytelling grounded in a divine vision of belonging rather than in a culture of exclusion.

Tisha Brooks is professor of English and associate dean, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Ill., where she uses her expertise in religion and African American literature to cultivate beloved community.

Session 3 | Thursday 3:00 p.m.
Taking Baby out of the Corner: The Spiritual Choreography of Belonging
—Spanish translation available—
We’re not going to let anybody put Baby in the corner! Join the “Spiritual Choreography of Belonging” Learning Lab to create communities that reflect love and unity. We’ll learn how to ensure everyone is embraced in the dance of belonging by exploring biblical insights, faith-based models and cinematic examples.

Sabrina Nichole Gilchrist is a public speaker, spiritual coach/consultant, author and licensed mental health counselor known for unlocking the potential of individuals and organizations through her passion, authenticity and wit.

Children

Session 2 | Thursday 1:30 p.m.
Inclusive Worship Practices for Children
Join us for a discussion on how we can think beyond including children and families in our worship practices and begin to collaborate with them by focusing on accessibility, participation and representation. We will share some specific tools geared toward making worship a place that is supportive of neurodivergent worshipers.

Harrison Litzell is program coordinator, Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership.

Session 3 | Thursday 3:00 p.m.
Empowering Churches: Providing Hospitality and Welcome to Families with Children
Come explore and discuss options for providing hospitality to families with children. This Learning Lab will include an overview of the current state of families with children, best practices for offering hospitality to them and insight into helpful programs and resources for churches, leaders and parents.

Sarah Boberg is assistant professor of Christian Education and director of Empowering Families for Spiritual Formation, Campbell University Divinity School.

Christian Nationalism

Session 2 | Thursday 1:30 p.m.
Ministry In Conflict: A Just Faith against Christian Nationalism
Explore biblical foundations for inclusivity and hospitality. Learn practical strategies to counteract divisive ideologies and foster welcoming communities. Ideal for pastors, ministry leaders and lay leaders, the presenters bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in pastoral care, practical theology and contextual ministry, making this lab both informative and transformative.

D. Anthony Everett is teaching professor of contextual ministry, BSK Theological Seminary. He leads the Siloam Project, created to accelerate the seminary’s congregation-centered approach to theological education.
Jaye Lynn Peabody Smith is assistant professor of pastoral care and counseling, BSK Theological Seminary. She is a preacher, psychotherapist and pastoral care educator.  
Candace Smith serves on the adjunct faculty of practical theology and womanist theology at BSK Theological Seminary. She is a researcher, preacher and practical theologian who focuses on serving diverse communities.

Session 3 | Thursday 3:00 p.m.
To What Is the Church Called Today? A Faithful Witness in the Age of Christian Nationalism
This Learning Lab will equip attendees to recognize Christian nationalism in their contexts and call on them to take action in their communities to resist the ideology.

Amanda Tyler is executive director of BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), leading the organization as it upholds the historic Baptist principle of religious liberty: defending the free exercise of religion and protecting against its establishment by government.

Environment

Session 2 | Thursday 1:30 p.m.
You Belong Here: Becoming a Creation Justice Church
Many congregations feel called to care for creation but don’t know where to start. This workshop will provide theological grounding, practical tools and a step-by-step framework to help churches integrate creation justice into their worship, education and advocacy. Participants will leave with a clear roadmap and connections to a supportive network.

Avery Davis Lamb is executive director of Creation Justice Ministries.
Derrick Weston is director of theological education and formation for Creation Justice Ministries.

Session 3 | Thursday 3:00 p.m.
Beyond Stewardship on Church Grounds: An Ecological Vision
Our church grounds are often overlooked as just the landscape or backdrop as we walk from cars to buildings to take part in our church’s life and ministry. For the contemporary challenge of ecological crisis, we have tremendous potential for good right under our feet.
Eric Howell is the pastor of DaySpring Baptist Church, Waco, Texas, and teaches Creation Care as Spiritual Practice, Truett Theological Seminary, and is author of “Under the Francis Tree: A Practical Theology for Church Grounds in the 21st Century.”

Faithful Leadership

Session 2 | Thursday 1:30 p.m.
Responding to Polarization: Beyond Fight or Flight
America is highly polarized, but the Church is capable of offering a healthy response that is far more robust than simply avoiding disagreement. We’ll examine history, take a look at scripture and talk about some practical habits that can make a difference in your congregation.

Matt Cook is director of the Center for Healthy Churches.

Session 3 | Thursday 3:00 p.m.
Cultural Competency in Congregational Leadership
Join Central Seminary for a screening and discussion of Central’s new three-part video series on Cultural Competency in Congregational Leadership. Topics which will be addressed are preaching, pastoral care and hospitality.

Pam Durso is president of Central Seminary, Overland Park, Kan.

Generosity 

Session 2 | Thursday 1:30 p.m.
Unlocking Generosity across Generations: Practical Strategies for Engaging Young Donors and Growing Legacy Gifts
How can churches engage younger donors while strengthening legacy giving? This session equips clergy and lay leaders with data-driven insights, actionable strategies and real-life examples to inspire generosity across generations. Learn how to cultivate lasting support through digital tools, asset-based giving and effective messaging.

Shauw Chin Capps is president of the CBF Foundation and CBF chief development officer.
Chris Hall is the partner success team lead over the Faith Team at FreeWill. 

Session 3 | Thursday 3:00 p.m.
Engaging the Shifting Landscape of Religious Generosity
Changing demographics and the shifting role of religion in the wider culture affect how people are expressing generosity. Congregations have an opportunity this season to go deeper into the heart of the spiritual practice of giving—freeing their people (and themselves) from a transactional “pay-the-bills” mindset.

Meredith McNabb is associate director for education for Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, part of Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Hunger

Session 2 | Thursday 1:30 p.m.
Eating Well Is a SNAP! Creating a Familiar Space for Seniors in Need to Explore Federal Resources
With nearly 7 million food-insecure seniors across the U.S., the Church can play a role in connecting those in need to federal resources. Eating Well is a SNAP! is a peer-led, community-hosted curriculum designed to support older adults as they seek support to meet their nutritional needs.

Katie Nye is the director for the Hunger Free Community Accelerator, Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty.
Codie Robinson is program director for the Innovation Hub, Baylor University Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, Waco, Texas.

Session 3| Thursday 3:00 p.m.
From Compassion to Action: Mobilizing Churches to End Hunger
Churches play a vital role in addressing hunger but often don’t know where to start. This session by the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty equips participants with practical steps to gather stakeholders, assess needs and launch strategic initiatives that move communities toward a hunger-free future.

Katie Nye is director of the Hunger Free Community Accelerator, Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty. 
Tasha Roberts is director of public affairs, Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty.

Immigration 

Session 2 | Thursday 1:30 p.m.
Church Response to Immigration Policy
What is the Church’s ministry with migrants? Reflections on a recent trip to the U.S.-Mexico border by a mix of CBF staff, church leaders and field personnel anchors a discussion exploring immigration stories and information. We will explore practical ways to respond to immigration in our churches and communities.

Christine is a CBF field personnel in Africa and the Middle East and a Social Worker and Trauma Therapist. 
Jennifer Hawks is an attorney and serves as the CBF director of advocacy.
Drew Hill is senior pastor of Memorial Baptist Church in Arlington, Va.
Isaac Mwase is associate pastor, University Baptist Church in Baltimore, Md., and chair of the CBF Global Missions Council.
Ellen Sechrest serves as the CBF director of mission engagement. 
Wayne Weathers is senior pastor and organizer of Vision of Hope Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa.

Session 3 | Thursday 3:00 p.m.
Called to Welcome: Understanding and Advocating for Immigrants
Explore the biblical call to love and advocate for immigrants, engaging with recent policy shifts through theological reflection and practical models of welcome. This session shares real-life stories, tools and resources to equip CBF churches and individuals to engage faithfully in immigration advocacy and ministry, fostering compassionate action for immigrant neighbors.

Libby Grammer is senior minister at Lakeside Church in Rocky Mount, N.C.. She is the author of “Privilege, Risk, and Solidarity: Understanding Undocumented Immigration through Feminist Christian Ethics.”
Israel Loachamin is an executive director of La Puerta Waco, also serving as associate pastor for Spanish Ministry, First Baptist Church Waco and lecturer at Baylor University.
Elket Rodríguez serves as the Global Migration Advocate at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. He is an immigration attorney.
Fainas Veriak serves as a Department of Justice Accredited representative with LUCHA Ministries Immigration Legal Services, Fredericksburg, Va.

Interfaith

Session 2 | Thursday 1:30 p.m.
CBF Podcast Presents: A Model for Interfaith Cooperation
Learn from diverse faith leaders how they have come together to promote interfaith friendships and cooperation in St. Louis.
Rabbi Karen Kriger Bogard serves the Central Reform Congregation and is a member of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association.

Rodrick Burton is senior pastor of the historic New Northside Missionary Baptist Church, St. Louis.
Andy Hale is the associate executive coordinator of CBF of North Carolina and the host of CBF Conversations podcast.
Cynthia Holmes is an attorney in St. Louis and a former CBF moderator. She represents CBF on the Cabinet of the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis. 
F. Javier Orozco is the executive director of Human Dignity and Intercultural Affairs for the archdiocese of St. Louis. He also serves as the Ecumenical and Interreligious officer.
Shima Rostami represents Shia Islam on the Interfaith Partnership Cabinet of Greater St. Louis.
Jack Sisk serves as founder and director, Living Insights Center, and is an active member of the Hindu Temple of St. Louis. He is president of the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis.

Session 3 | Thursday 3:00 p.m.
Re-embracing Roger Williams and Baptist Interfaith Practices
Baptists today are urgently called to remember the roots of our faith in early America in order to embrace interfaith community-building and combat the idolatry of Christian nationalism that has pervaded our country.

Mara Richards Bim is program director of Faith Commons, a frequent contributor to Baptist News Global and a volunteer with Christians against Christian Nationalism.
George Mason is a Christian theologian, an author, a former Baptist pastor in Dallas (Wilshire Baptist Church from 1989 to 2022) and the founder of the interfaith organization, Faith Commons. 

Ministry on the Front Lines

Session 2 | Thursday 1:30 p.m.
CBF Disaster Response: How to Become a Disaster-Ready Church
In a time where disasters are increasing in frequency and severity, CBF Disaster Response is offering churches training on how to respond and prepare for disasters. A step-by-step guide will be given to determine the type of Disaster-Ready Church you will become and how to prepare to respond during time of disaster. Resources for further training will be offered.

Laura Ayala is CBF Coordinator for Global Missions.
Debbie Haag is longtime office manager of CBF South Carolina. 
Dave Hawes is Disaster Response Coordinator for CBF North Carolina. 

Session 3 | Thursday 3:00 p.m.
Creating Space for Those on the Front Lines (First Responders, Service Members, Veterans) and Understanding Moral Injury
Join four first responders, Veteran’s Administration (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD/military) chaplains as they share ways your church can partner with them to offer support to our nation’s frontline service. We will learn about moral injury and explore ways the Church can be a place of forgiveness, healing and redemption for those who have experienced traumatic events.

Rev. Rebecca E. Brown, a CBF-endorsed chaplain, is president, chief and CEO of the Kentucky Federation of Fire Chaplains.
Chaplain Barbara Miller, MDiv, BCC-HPC, is a CBF-endorsed chaplain, who previously served in hospice and prison chaplaincy before serving as a Veteran’s Affairs chaplain, Louis A Johnson VA Medical Center, Clarksburg, W. Va.
Chaplain Major Jessica Prophitt, is a CBF-endorsed chaplain as an active duty Air Force chaplain currently serving as the Deputy Wing chaplain, Joint Base San Antonio – Randolph.
Chaplain Nicole Tota, DMin. BCC-MH, is a CBF-endorsed chaplain who served veterans within the Veterans Health Administration in four different states since 2015 and offers chaplaincy care with an emphasis on mental health concerns.

Racial Justice

Sponsored by Dr. Emmanuel McCall Racial Justice and Leadership Initiative

Session 2 | Thursday 1:30 p.m.
Building Resilience for the Fight for Equality
—Spanish translation available—
This Learning Lab is designed to equip communities to share stories of racial injustice, resilience and the struggle for equality to inspire and encourage the fight for justice. Resourcing participants, the McCall Racial Justice Pilgrimage resource and grant opportunity will be highlighted to encourage participants to utilize them as a next step.

José Luis Marantes serves as the chief impact officer for the Hope CommUnity Center, helping thousands of immigrant youth and families in Central Florida.

Session 3 | Thursday 3:00 p.m.
In This Work: Lessons from Allies in the Civil Rights Movement
What does it take to stand in solidarity with the oppressed? This Learning Lab will expolore the courageous ally-ship of James Reeb, Virginia Durr and Robert Graetz—advocates who risked their lives for racial justice. Their stories offer vital lessons on solidarity, sacrifice and the ongoing work of building a just and equitable society. Join us in reflecting on their legacy.

Rev. Ossie X. McKinney, a dedicated researcher and advocate for racial justice, specializes in historical narratives and faith-based reconciliation efforts.

Resourcing Community Needs

Session 2 | Thursday 1:30 p.m.
Inviting Grant Funders to Invest in Buildings and Programs to Meet Community Needs
This interactive Learning Lab will empower clergy and laity to strategically consider a comprehensive grants management plan in support of church operations and special projects. Participants will leave with a greater understanding of the grants submission and tracking process.

Jacque Stouffer is founder and principal of WritePlace Consulting, an independent grant writing consultant and certified fundraising executive. 

Session 3 | Thursday 3:00 p.m.
The Rent Eats First: Housing and Demographic Changes in our Church Neighborhoods
With housing eating up more and more of our budgets, what can churches do to help people keep a roof over their heads and still afford everything else they need?

Neal Turpin is planning director, Clarksville, Indiana, and holds a PhD in Urban Policy, University of Louisville.